Hotels near Funchal Christmas Lights

Funchal's Christmas lights are among the most impressive in Portugal, with illuminations covering the city centre and the hillsides of the natural amphitheatre around the bay. Streets, squares and gardens are decorated with light installations, and the whole city glows at night.

The lights are switched on on 1 December and stay on until 10 January 2027, according to Madeira's official events calendar. In 2025, the switch-on ceremony took place at 7pm in Praça do Povo, on the waterfront, followed by a concert.

The best way to see the lights is on foot, walking from the waterfront along Avenida Arriaga and up through the old town.

Pro Tip: Be at Praça do Povo on 1 December for the switch-on ceremony, then walk along Avenida Arriaga and through the old town to see the illuminations.